Rain and more rain forecast, flooding possible

April is finishing up on the wet side, with one to four inches of rain expected in the metro by Thursday. How that will affect area rivers is not yet clear.

The National Weather Service forecasts periods of heavy downpours Sunday through Tuesday that could result in localized flooding in low-lying areas along the Interstate 94 corridor. Small hail is possible as well.

The extended forecast calls for 100 percent chance of rain Monday, with a 70 percent chance Tuesday. Temperatures will be in the high 40s both days, but could drop into the low 30s overnight Tuesday. That means there's a slight chance for snow before 8 a.m. Wednesday.

A diminishing chance for rain is forecast through Saturday, when the high could reach the upper 50s.

The NWS said the effect of the rain on river levels will be more clear after Monday's totals are known. Currently, the agency's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service shows minor flooding at a gauge on the Mississippi River near Aitkin and a reading near flood stage on the St. Croix River in Stillwater.